The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.’s (IREC’s) Credentialing Program announces a second public comment period for the draft IREC Standard 14732:2012, General Requirements for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Certificate Programs.

The IREC Standards Committee has completed a thorough review of comments submitted during the initial public comment period. IREC extends our sincere thanks to all who sent in their comments and questions. A document detailing specific comments and the Committee’s responses will be posted on the IREC website in early January.

The revised draft Standard resulting from the first round of public comments is available now for public review and additional comment. This new public comment period will close on January 18, 2012.

The Standard describes curriculum, administrative, personnel, facilities, and equipment requirements for certificate programs training the energy efficiency/weatherization and renewable energy workforce. Assessment to this new Standard will provide third-party verification to students, funders, policymakers and others that certificate programs meet and document educational processes, specific energy content and requirements for design, delivery and assessment resulting in issuance of a market-valued certificate.

IREC is working in partnership with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for joint accreditation to this new Standard. Candidates who are successful in meeting the requirements will be awarded ANSI-IREC accreditation.